Fake Teeth aren’t just for Halloween! Dental Implants vs Dentures
With Halloween fast approaching, fake teeth will soon line the shelves of the local supermarket, and your kids will be begging you to add them to their spooky costumes! But on a serious note, if you’re having some issues with your natural teeth and find that your speech or ability to chew is affected, it could be time to think about dental implants or dentures. At Pure Smiles, we offer both treatments, and to help you decide which is best for you, we explain some of the differences between each of them in this article.
Why do you need implants or dentures?
Before we get into our comparison, it’s important to realise that dental implants and dentures serve the same purpose. They both have numerous benefits and help you chew foods that you might otherwise not be able to eat, enhance your speech, and improve your self-esteem by helping you cultivate a gorgeous smile. However, each treatment is notably different, as we explain below.
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What are dental implants?
Dental implants are made by extracting a damaged root from your tooth, which is then replaced by a prosthetic root that is implemented deep into the bone. Once the new root has had time to grow, the tooth will then be capped by a crown, which secures the tooth into place. The crown is made to match your current teeth, and the entire process ensures your smile looks completely natural. Dental implants have become increasingly popular in recent times, and many see them as an upgrade to traditional dentures.
What are dentures?
While dental implants are a permanent fix for your teeth, dentures are removable, prosthetic teeth that can be fitted regardless of available bone. Some people opt for complete sets of dentures, while other patients only require partial dentures to repair specific parts of their mouths. Your dentist will begin by taking an impression of your gums and will take into account your bite and the alignment of your jaws. After an initial set of dentures is made in the lab, your dentist will note any further adjustments before affixing them to your gums. Dentures are attached with an adhesive that keeps them in place.
So, which is better - dental implants or dentures?
If you’re looking for a permanent solution, dental implants are a better option than dentures. What’s more, maintaining dental implants is similar to standard dental hygiene for natural teeth and providing you brush, floss, and use mouthwash, you shouldn’t encounter any significant issues with your implants. To maintain dentures, you need to soak them in water overnight and use a special cleaning solution to ensure they remain viable in the long term. Also, because your bite changes over time, you will need to revisit your dentist to have your dentures refitted. You only need to consult your dentist about implants if they become cracked or damaged, but research shows that 90-95% of dental implants are successful.
Ultimately, dental implants and dentures are viable treatments for you to consider if you have issues with your natural teeth. While dental implants provide a more permanent solution, it’s worth scheduling an initial consultation with a dentist to run through your options in more detail. Call us today on 0203 613 3337 to schedule an appointment or to ask any questions about any of our treatments.
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